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Can Self-Control Be Taught?
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What is the myth described?
Many school programs sound great but don't hold up under scientific scrutiny
Driver's Ed does not reduce accidents
D.A.R.E. doesn't prevent drug use long-term
Belief in programs often overrides actual data
D.A.R.E. Program
Drug prevention program led by police officers in schools
Despite popularity, long-term studies show no reduction in drug use
Bodrova & Leong - Tools of the Mind
Preschoolers in Tools programs outperform peers academically and behaviorally
Key Strategies:
Structured pretend play
Written “play plans”
Private speech
Frede & Hornbeck Study
Tools kids scored significantly higher in vocabulary, IQ, & behavior
Principal ended the control group early because results were so positive
Dr. Bunge’s Study – Cognitive Control
Tools helps develop brain areas responsible for attention, motivation, & self-monitoring
Children don’t yet have the “rules region” or the proactive response??
Motivation is experienced in the brain as the release of dopamine
spritzed onto large areas of the brain, which enhances the signaling of neurons
The motivated brain operates better & signals faster
Dr. Blair’s Study
Kids w/ both high IQ & high executive functioning were 300% more likely to do well in math than those with just a high IQ
Tools of the Mind – Why It Works
Play Plans
Kids draw & write their play goals → develops planning & focus
Role-Playing
Encourages symbolic thinking & sustained attention
Private Speech
Kids talk themselves through tasks → turns into internal self-regulation
Self-Assessment
Kids evaluate their own & peers' work → develops self-awareness
Games
(ex: Simon Says) teach impulse control
Recommendations
Support executive function development early (preschool age)
Emphasize structured play, self-monitoring, & motivation-based learning
Shift focus from teaching only rules to building cognitive control and discipline